Young leaders are stepping up to tackle global challenges, from expanding access to STEM education in underserved communities to turning plastic waste into climate action. A new generation of changemakers is reimagining what’s possible—and the .ORG Impact Awards are evolving to meet their momentum.
For the past six years, Public Interest Registry (PIR), the nonprofit that runs the .ORG domain, has hosted the global annual awards program that honors and celebrates outstanding mission-driven organizations and individuals working to make the world a better place. From large-scale NGOs to grassroots collectives, the awards celebrate mission-driven individuals and groups using their .ORG presence to make a real difference. And applications for the 2025 awards are now officially open for submissions through June 4, 2025. To nominate an organization or individual for a .ORG Impact Award, visit orgimpactawards.org.
In a significant update for 2025, PIR has raised the age limit for its “Rising Star” category from 25 up to 30 years old, a move aimed at recognizing even more young visionaries for their impact. The change reflects the growing number of mission-driven individuals in their twenties who are leading meaningful, scalable impacts in their communities and beyond.
“We’re seeing incredible innovation and impact from young leaders around the world, and we want to make sure they have every opportunity to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry. “Expanding the Rising Star category means more changemakers can step into the spotlight—and hopefully inspire even more action in communities everywhere.”
Clinton Okechukwu, founder of The R.E.T.I.N.A. Initiative and the 2024 “Rising Star” winner underscored how the .ORG Impact Awards have been a catalyst in expanding their work: “Being named The .ORG Impact Awards Rising Star 2024 winner was a game-changer for the I-CARE Campaign Project. It gave the R.E.T.I.N.A Initiative global visibility and amplified our mission to eliminate preventable blindness. This enabled us to reach more communities and build momentum toward our goal of 20,000 interventions by 2028. I’m deeply grateful for the platform it provided.”
One of last year’s Rising Star finalists, Joy Oluwatoyin, founder of The Resilient Girl Initiative, shared how the recognition helped amplify her mission: “It was an exceptional honor to be named as a Rising Star finalist at the 2024 .ORG Impact Awards. This recognition has set me and Resilient Girl initiatives on a global space. As a feminist led organization, it was particularly inspiring for me because I have been able to support young girls and women who are facing social injustice. In 2025, Resilient Girl initiative will be reaching over 3,000 Girls through PROJECT LEVAWG, this is possible through the .ORG donation.”
Finalists and winners are awarded up to $50,000 in funding and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll attend the awards ceremony and connect with other purpose-driven leaders from around the globe. Beyond the prize, every finalist gains something even more powerful—a lasting connection to a vibrant community of innovators driving impact through the .ORG Community of changemakers.
“When you apply to the .ORG Impact Awards, you’re joining a global community of changemakers united in a shared commitment to making the world a better place. If you’re a changemaker committed to mission-driven work or know someone who is, please submit a nomination to join our growing community,” continued Nevett.
Nominations are invited in seven categories: 1) Health and Healing, 2) Quality Education for All, 3) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 4) Environmental Stewardship, 5) Hunger and Poverty, 6) Community Building, and 7) Rising Star. Additionally, the winners in each category will be eligible to win the 2025 .ORG of the Year award. Organizations may apply for multiple categories of awards if more than one category is a good fit.
Whether you’re a startup nonprofit or an individual with a mission, the .ORG Impact Awards are your chance to be recognized on a global stage. With the expanded eligibility for the Rising Star award, more leaders than ever before can now share their stories—and inspire a new generation of changemakers.
All nominees must be affiliated with a .ORG domain, and applications for the 2025 awards are open now through June 4 at www.orgimpactawards.org. Finalists will be revealed on August 12, with winners announced at a private, in-person event on October 7 in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss your chance to apply!
